Quick answer: measure the foam insert itself, not the old cover. Take width, depth and thickness in inches, round to the nearest inch, and order a cover in exactly those dimensions. A cover sewn to the foam size fits snugly and looks crisp.
Why not measure the old cover?
Old covers stretch, shrink in the wash and sag at the seams, so they can be off by an inch or more. The foam is what the new cover has to hold, so its size is the one that matters.
Step 1: Take the foam out
Unzip the old cover and lay the foam on a flat floor or table. If the cover has no zipper, measure through the fabric and press the tape firmly against the foam edge.
Step 2: Measure width, depth and thickness
- Width: the long side, left to right.
- Depth: front to back.
- Thickness: measure at the center of the foam, not the edges, which compress over time.
Measure each side twice. If the two ends of a window seat foam differ, use the larger number so the cover is not tight.
Step 3: Choose the details
- Fabric: waterproof Oxford for patios, waterproof chenille for kitchen nooks, anti-scratch crystal velvet for homes with cats and dogs. Not sure? Order fabric samples.
- Anti-slip bottom keeps the cushion from sliding on wood benches.
- Ties (2 or 4) hold cushions on outdoor chairs and benches.
- Piping gives a tailored edge.
What sizes can be made?
ShadeMart replacement covers are sewn to order from 5" x 16" up to 50" x 114", for foam 1" to 10" thick, in 100+ colors, with a heavy-duty zipper so you can remove and wash the cover. For example, an 18" x 48" cover for 2" foam starts at $49.97.
Is your foam worth keeping?
Press the center with your palm. If it springs back in a second or two, keep it and save money with a new cover. If it stays dented, crumbles or has a permanent dip, replace it with custom-cut 70D foam or a complete custom cushion.
Order a custom replacement cushion cover · How to measure for a new cushion
